As human beings it is our responsibility to consider our environment and do our part where we can. As ‘designers’ this means implementing environmental solutions to our work when possible.
A designer’s process must always begin with research. By paying more attention to the task being performed the design industry can begin to make less impact on our environment.
For Example such questions need to be considered:
What products need using?
(Paper and printing materials)
How many copies?
How many copies?
(Accurate numbers and Cost effectiveness considered)
How much impact will this make on the environment in the long run?
Obviously, the long-term aim is to do no damage to the environment at all. In the short-term, we have to settle for doing as little damage as possible and it can be done.
Figures show that 90% of what print designers produce will be thrown out within the year. This is causing a huge increase in landfill waste. Materials used to make paper are being explored and changed for the better each year to assist with the recycle and reuse concept.
Algae paper, Bagasse paper (bagasse is the waste fibre of sugar cane), Corn maize paper, Cotton paper, and Hemp paper are examples of environmentally friendly materials designers are choosing to use today.
Hemp paper actually is quite effective - it yields four times as much paper as a forest in equivalent space, its harvest is regular, it uses fewer chemicals during cultivation and processing and the paper's grade is impressively fine. All of these paper alternatives are of reasonable to excellent quality.
The point is for everyone to be aware of the possibilities and effects of environmentally-friendly materials, and for designers (especially) to know how to make use of them effectively.
How much impact will this make on the environment in the long run?
Obviously, the long-term aim is to do no damage to the environment at all. In the short-term, we have to settle for doing as little damage as possible and it can be done.
Figures show that 90% of what print designers produce will be thrown out within the year. This is causing a huge increase in landfill waste. Materials used to make paper are being explored and changed for the better each year to assist with the recycle and reuse concept.
Algae paper, Bagasse paper (bagasse is the waste fibre of sugar cane), Corn maize paper, Cotton paper, and Hemp paper are examples of environmentally friendly materials designers are choosing to use today.
Hemp paper actually is quite effective - it yields four times as much paper as a forest in equivalent space, its harvest is regular, it uses fewer chemicals during cultivation and processing and the paper's grade is impressively fine. All of these paper alternatives are of reasonable to excellent quality.
The point is for everyone to be aware of the possibilities and effects of environmentally-friendly materials, and for designers (especially) to know how to make use of them effectively.
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